Sandymount is an
extensive area of intertidal sandflats which holds internationally
important numbers of wildfowl and waders each winter. It is also famous
for attracting large numbers of gulls in winter, and is also an evening
roosting site for terns in autumn. The area is best watched on a rising
tide when birds are forced close inshore and one of the best locations is
at the Merrion Gates. From Irishtown follow the coast road that runs along
Sandymount Strand where there are several carparks. A path also runs along
the coast on this section. At high tide, anywhere along here is good for
seeing geese, waders and gulls in winter. However, the best high tide
vantage point is at the Merrion Gates (the large automatic railway gates).
On a rising tide, this is one of the best areas for viewing waders and
gulls in autumn and winter. Evening roosts of terns gather in this area in
late summer/early autumn. At low tide the entire length of Sandymount
Strand can be walked.

Alternatively, view
the strand from behind Booterstown Railway Station by walking over the
footbridge above the railway tracks and watching from the seawall.

Birds
found on Sandymount StrandFrom autumn
through winter and into early spring large numbers of wildfowl and waders
are found. These include Brent Goose, Shelduck, Grey Plover, Ringed
Plover, Turnstone, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel (in spring
& autumn), and Redshank. In autumn small numbers of Little
Stints, Curlew Sandpipers sometimes occur while large flocks of gulls use
Sandymount as a roosting site in winter. This is one of the best sites for
seeing Mediterranean Gulls in winter. In late summer the strand is also a
roosting site for terns.